Question Thread: Apply throttle directly to forehead

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Knot My President!: Jan 10, 2005

WD40 will remove all the gunk and penetrate into the chain for the harder spots to reach and is far less corrosive/harmful to breathe. Better to do this first with a plastic wire brush than jumping into an extreme solvent, I think.

# ? Mar 17, 2013 04:12

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# ? Jun 7, 2024 17:16

theperminator: Sep 16, 2009; by Smythe; Fun Shoe

After getting a new fuel tank for the Daytona it has been a target for bird poo poo and tree sap all of a sudden, and even though I've been cleaning it off with bug & tar remover as soon as I notice it has managed to damage the clear coat slightly. it's barely noticable but I'd like to fix it.

Will something like Meguiars Scratch X be suitable for something like this?

theperminator fucked around with this message at 05:54 on Mar 17, 2013

# ? Mar 17, 2013 05:52

Kilersquirrel: Oct 16, 2004; My little sister is awesome and bought me this account.

Another stupid question: has Honda been using the same axle diameter since pretty much forever, or are there material differences in axle diameter throughout the years? I am looking to ditch my spokes and get some cast wheels for my Shadow, but I'm having a hell of a time finding any kind of parts compatibility index or reference. I've tried the Service Honda remote desktop, but that seems to now be either unavailable to the public or on the fritz at the moment. There's this french site, https://www.bike-parts.fr that is good for finding interchangeability, but it depends on the part having the same classification number(see this handy page for everything you ever wanted to know about parts number labeling), and it would seem those are subject to somewhat arbitrary change.

I know the front and rear axles are always the same diameter, it's just the actual axle diameter(s, hopefully the singular applies in this case) they've used that I need to know. The FSM only gives acceptable runout values, it says nothing about the actual dimensions of the axle.

For reference, it's a 99 Shadow 600.

# ? Mar 17, 2013 09:15

alnilam: Nov 10, 2009

I've never owned a car, and in 2012 I bought a used motorbike from a private seller. I paid taxes when I got the title transferred.

Now I'm doing my taxes (USA) and the tax program asked, did you buy any new vehicles in 2012?
Basically, I'm wondering, do I have to fill out anything related to the motorbike while doing taxes? And more specifically,
1. Does motorcycle count as a "vehicle" in their eyes?
2. When they say "new," do they mean new new, or new to me?

# ? Mar 17, 2013 20:10

FileNotFound: Jul 17, 2005

alnilam posted:

I've never owned a car, and in 2012 I bought a used motorbike from a private seller. I paid taxes when I got the title transferred.

Now I'm doing my taxes (USA) and the tax program asked, did you buy any new vehicles in 2012?
Basically, I'm wondering, do I have to fill out anything related to the motorbike while doing taxes? And more specifically,
1. Does motorcycle count as a "vehicle" in their eyes?
2. When they say "new," do they mean new new, or new to me?

1. Yes.
2. New to you.

# ? Mar 17, 2013 20:41

Mr. Eric Praline: Aug 13, 2004; I didn't like the others, they were all too flat.

theperminator posted:

After getting a new fuel tank for the Daytona it has been a target for bird poo poo and tree sap all of a sudden, and even though I've been cleaning it off with bug & tar remover as soon as I notice it has managed to damage the clear coat slightly. it's barely noticable but I'd like to fix it.

Will something like Meguiars Scratch X be suitable for something like this?

Probably worth going over it with a clay bar before trying abrasives.

# ? Mar 18, 2013 04:01

n8r: Jul 3, 2003; I helped Lowtax become a cyborg and all I got was this lousy avatar

Kilersquirrel posted:

Another stupid question: has Honda been using the same axle diameter since pretty much forever, or are there material differences in axle diameter throughout the years? I am looking to ditch my spokes and get some cast wheels for my Shadow, but I'm having a hell of a time finding any kind of parts compatibility index or reference. I've tried the Service Honda remote desktop, but that seems to now be either unavailable to the public or on the fritz at the moment. There's this french site, https://www.bike-parts.fr that is good for finding interchangeability, but it depends on the part having the same classification number(see this handy page for everything you ever wanted to know about parts number labeling), and it would seem those are subject to somewhat arbitrary change.

I know the front and rear axles are always the same diameter, it's just the actual axle diameter(s, hopefully the singular applies in this case) they've used that I need to know. The FSM only gives acceptable runout values, it says nothing about the actual dimensions of the axle.

For reference, it's a 99 Shadow 600.

Your best bet is to find enthusiast forums for these bikes and ask there. Honda loves using parts that only fit a specific bike so who knows how many bike wheels/axles will interchange.

# ? Mar 18, 2013 06:27

theperminator: Sep 16, 2009; by Smythe; Fun Shoe

Mr. Eric Praline posted:

Probably worth going over it with a clay bar before trying abrasives.

Ah right, that sounds great thanks!

# ? Mar 18, 2013 07:01

its all nice on rice: Nov 12, 2006; Sweet, Salty Goodness.; Buglord

Xovaan posted:

WD40 will remove all the gunk and penetrate into the chain for the harder spots to reach and is far less corrosive/harmful to breathe. Better to do this first with a plastic wire brush than jumping into an extreme solvent, I think.

This. On the rare chance I want to deep clean my chain, I soak it in WD40 and work it with a plastic or nylon brush. Comes out sparkling every time.

Anyone used Plasti Dip before? Been thinking of spraying my plastics white, and the "No prep (outside of washing) and peel off when you want" thing appeals to me.

# ? Mar 18, 2013 22:09

Mr. Eric Praline: Aug 13, 2004; I didn't like the others, they were all too flat.

BlackMK4 posted:

Wellll... here.
http://www.triumph675.net/forum/showpost.php?p=738899&postcount=78

This is the wiring extension: http://www.2wheelpros.com/oem-parts/triumph-wiring-extension-na-nd-d6-t3880123-part.html

So I couldn't find the connectors by themselves, so I bought a used fuel line and used those on a longer hose. That plus the triumph electrics is working perfectly, and it works on the Street Triple and the R-6. Thanks for the tip!

# ? Mar 18, 2013 22:17

savesthedayrocks: Mar 18, 2004

Pope Mobile posted:

Anyone used Plasti Dip before? Been thinking of spraying my plastics white, and the "No prep (outside of washing) and peel off when you want" thing appeals to me.

I'll let you know how it holds up after next week. That's my spring break project.

I've used it on cars and it works great so no reason it shouldn't work on fairings.

# ? Mar 18, 2013 22:33

xaarman: Mar 12, 2003; IRONKNUCKLE PERMABANNED! READ HERE

Does anyone have any recommendations on length of ramp? I have a full size F-150 4x4 and my 6' Harbor Freight cheapo isn't cutting it anymore.

From my google-fu skills, it's come down between these two ramps:

http://www.discountramps.com/black-widow-motorcycle-ramp.htm
http://www.discountramps.com/big-boy-motorcycle-ramp.htm

I'd like to go with the Big Boy because it's significantly lighter and only two ramps, but it's also more expensive. Can I get away with an 8' ramp or should I really splurge for 9'?

For reference, the primary use for this ramp will be for transporting an SV650S to the track and back.

# ? Mar 19, 2013 13:32

clutchpuck: Apr 30, 2004; ro-tard

I run a 8' on my Ranger, and it's right at the threshold of too steep for loading solo. I'd probably look at the 9' for a F150 4x4.

# ? Mar 19, 2013 17:25

Ponies ate my Bagel: Nov 25, 2006; by T. Finninho

I have to run a 9' for my ranger, but it's pretty jacked up for offroading.

Does anyone have a wife that's attempting to kill them with kindness?

I can't decide between a full on Dirt bike, an actual adventure bike or a dedicated track bike. After kicking this around for about a month (traders remorse from getting rid of the drz even though I love my VFR) my wife sits me down and tells me she doesn't care if I get one of each as long as she gets to take trips and stuff with me. Now I'm seriously looking to pick up a weekend gig this fall to help put some cash away and pay for some things.

Am I lucky or is she plotting to murder me and steal the bikes once I acquire them?

# ? Mar 19, 2013 17:44

FlerpNerpin: Apr 17, 2006

I have a 9 foot for my 4x4 Tundra and it works well. I've also got a 7 or 8 ft bed extender/ramp unit but it's too steep for anything other than a light dirt bike.

# ? Mar 19, 2013 17:45

xaarman: Mar 12, 2003; IRONKNUCKLE PERMABANNED! READ HERE

I have a call in to the local authorized dealer to see if I can avoid paying the $60 in shipping charges. We'll see what happens.

# ? Mar 19, 2013 22:16

goddamnedtwisto: Dec 31, 2004; If you ask me about the mole people in the London Underground, I WILL be forced to kill you; Fun Shoe

Is there any way - absent finding a screw I really don't care for - to confirm that my impact driver is working properly? It's been sitting at the back of the cupboard for years but I feel like I'm going to need it soon, but the head doesn't seem to twist when I manually push it in to the body. I know it should only be a few degrees but I'm sure it was noticeable when I last used it.

# ? Mar 19, 2013 22:21

alnilam: Nov 10, 2009

Ponies ate my Bagel posted:

Does anyone have a wife that's attempting to kill them with kindness?

I can't decide between a full on Dirt bike, an actual adventure bike or a dedicated track bike. After kicking this around for about a month (traders remorse from getting rid of the drz even though I love my VFR) my wife sits me down and tells me she doesn't care if I get one of each as long as she gets to take trips and stuff with me. Now I'm seriously looking to pick up a weekend gig this fall to help put some cash away and pay for some things.

Am I lucky or is she plotting to murder me and steal the bikes once I acquire them?

Sounds like you have a relationship based on trust and enjoying spending time together, combined with (hopefully) secure finances? :3:

Related question, kind of embarassing, but what exactly is a "track bike"? Is it a bike you only ever ride at a track? How does one get time at a track? What do you do there, just go really fast and do poo poo you can't do on the street?

# ? Mar 20, 2013 17:38

Naan Bread: Sep 3, 2011

My first bike (Honda CBF125) has thrown a big end and isn't safe to ride any more, the dealership I got it from are trying to say that the warranty it is still under is void. I had a spill about a month ago where the bike tipped and the engine stalled after literally 3 seconds whilst on its side, the dealer is trying to claim that this was long enough to drain the engine of oil and cause the issue that has arisen.

Can anyone tell me if this sounds likely? The bike is from 09 and had 15000 miles when I bought it 5 weeks ago and I've done about 700 more since then, the (only) crash was the one mentioned above that happened 4 weeks ago. Since then I have taken it to the dealership because I thought it was leaking oil (it wasn't, and the workshop manager assured me it was absolutely fine). I only noticed a knocking sound 2 days ago and took it there as soon as possible where it has remained.

Thanks for any help!

# ? Mar 20, 2013 17:42

Ponies ate my Bagel: Nov 25, 2006; by T. Finninho

alnilam posted:

Sounds like you have a relationship based on trust and enjoying spending time together, combined with (hopefully) secure finances?

Related question, kind of embarassing, but what exactly is a "track bike"? Is it a bike you only ever ride at a track? How does one get time at a track? What do you do there, just go really fast and do poo poo you can't do on the street?

Check out the Track day thread. For a track bike I'd pick up a 600 that has seen better days as cheaply as possible. Rashed plastics, lightly wrecked etc. Throw on some track plastics, safety wiring and deleted the extra stuff you don't need for the street. Then you sign up for a track day and truck/trailer it there and ride the piss out of it. The main idea for me is to improve the higher level riding skills, the ability to hold/pick a line, proper braking technique, how to maintain speed and mostly to have fun riding like a bat out of hell.

As for finances, I've managed to whittle more than $60k in debt down to about $15k. I'm really close to being out of the woods financially and should be clear by this time next year. I only buy toys I can pay for in cash outright and I make sure that buying them won't put any extra strain on us.

Edit:

Naan Bread posted:

My first bike (Honda CBF125) has thrown a big end and isn't safe to ride any more, the dealership I got it from are trying to say that the warranty it is still under is void. I had a spill about a month ago where the bike tipped and the engine stalled after literally 3 seconds whilst on its side, the dealer is trying to claim that this was long enough to drain the engine of oil and cause the issue that has arisen.

Can anyone tell me if this sounds likely? The bike is from 09 and had 15000 miles when I bought it 5 weeks ago and I've done about 700 more since then, the (only) crash was the one mentioned above that happened 4 weeks ago. Since then I have taken it to the dealership because I thought it was leaking oil (it wasn't, and the workshop manager assured me it was absolutely fine). I only noticed a knocking sound 2 days ago and took it there as soon as possible where it has remained.

Thanks for any help!

Doesn't that bike have a tip over switch? 3 seconds isn't enough to kill a bike on it's side. It sounds like the dealer is just trying to screw you over. How bad was the crash, was it 2mph in a parking lot or a 20mph lowside? That can have a lot to do with it. If you took it in right after the wreck and were told it was fine and they didn't tell you that you voided your warranty then it should be covered.

Ponies ate my Bagel fucked around with this message at 17:57 on Mar 20, 2013

# ? Mar 20, 2013 17:52

Baller Witness Bro: Nov 16, 2006; Hey FedEx, how dare you deliver something before your "delivered by" time.

You don't need a track bike to go to the track. Anyone can show up. All you need in level 1 (beginners) are some tires with >50% tread (closer to new is better) and a bike that isn't a deathtrap really. Our tracks here rent leathers and boots for first timers for free. You just need some solid gloves and a good DOT helmet, etc. It's also 50% off for your first time around here so it ends up being maybe 70 bucks to ride the track. Make sure your bike isn't leaking fluids of any kind and that everything is adjusted properly like your chain. They should do a quick tech inspection of your bike and let you know if anything looks concerning ie chain too tight / loose, radiator is leaking, etc.

They'll teach you all about cornering, braking, reference points, etc. while there. Many people claim it's as good for experience as riding on the street for years but teaches you the proper way to do things / react.

# ? Mar 20, 2013 17:59

Ponies ate my Bagel: Nov 25, 2006; by T. Finninho

JP Money posted:

You don't need a track bike to go to the track. Anyone can show up. All you need in level 1 (beginners) are some tires with >50% tread (closer to new is better) and a bike that isn't a deathtrap really. Our tracks here rent leathers and boots for first timers for free. You just need some solid gloves and a good DOT helmet, etc. It's also 50% off for your first time around here so it ends up being maybe 70 bucks to ride the track. Make sure your bike isn't leaking fluids of any kind and that everything is adjusted properly like your chain. They should do a quick tech inspection of your bike and let you know if anything looks concerning ie chain too tight / loose, radiator is leaking, etc.

They'll teach you all about cornering, braking, reference points, etc. while there. Many people claim it's as good for experience as riding on the street for years but teaches you the proper way to do things / react.

Definitely this! The VFR is my commuter though and I wouldn't want to risk it on the track. I live in a college town so slightly butterfaced 600's are super common and cheap.

# ? Mar 20, 2013 18:04

epswing: Nov 4, 2003; Soiled Meat